Hapoel Beer Sheva were celebrating their finest hour in European football last night after reaching the Europa League’s round of 32 following a 1-1 draw against Southampton.

The Saints went into the game needing a victory or goalless draw against the Israel champions at St Mary’s. But at the back of their minds they knew they were facing a dangerous opponent in Hapoel who had beaten Inter Milan home and away earlier in the competition.

Hapoel adopted a cautious approach in the first half but they stepped things up in the second half, knowing one goal would leave Southampton needing two to progress.

The visitors scored with their first effort on target 12 minutes from time when Israeli international Maor Buzaglo fired a low shot across Fraser Forster and into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.

There was little time for Southampton to respond and although Virgil Van Dijk levelled in stoppage time, it was Hapoel celebrating at the final whistle.

Jubilant Hapoel boss Barak Bakhar commented: “We did a big thing, there’s no question about that. We knew that eventually we’d get chances. We did that and we scored.”

Southampton boss Claude Puel reflected on a “difficult game against a good opponent”.

He said: “Hapoel were always dangerous when they recovered the ball, but we had chances during the game.

"Just one mistake, one shot at the end - we lost the ball and it's a goal. It's very hard to accept this situation, and very hard of course for my players. It's a big disappointment for all the squad and the fans also.

"All the words are difficult, but this is football. It's a big disappointment, because we gave it our all. It's very hard to be eliminated, but now it's important to have a good reaction from all the team."

Hapoel join Manchester United and Spurs in the draw for the knockout stages, which takes place next week.

Maccabi Tel Aviv were eliminated from the competition despite beating Dundalk of Ireland 2-1.

A penalty from Tal Ben Chaim put Maccabi ahead midway through the first half, but the Irish visitors drew level via Eli Dasa’s own goal nine minutes later. Dror Micha won it for Maccabi seven minutes before half-time.

However, AZ Alkmaar’s victory over Zenit St Petersburg confirmation Maccabi’s elimination.

Maccabi coach Shota Arveladze said: “The pity is that we were knocked out in the last seconds.

“But I believe we had a good run and we represented the country with honour. At the end of the day, I can go back and think what might have been, especially in the first game.

“We have been through a hard time, but today we saw a team that was doing its best. Unfortunately we are out.”